Chai Stout – Rock Bottom, LBC (seasonal)

Look: Black, with a foamy white head.

Taste: Chai Stout has a strong smoky flavor to it, but also a little sweetness. It is not over powering, but very, very noticeable. I get a subtle hint of roasted nuts, like Black Seal, but not as bitter. You can definitely taste the sweet honey flavor in it, but the smoke is what stays with you.

Conclusion: I am sad to say I am not impressed with this seasonal beer offering. Is was a good idea, but the execution did not turn out all that well. It tastes like a modified Black Seal, and nothing more. I wish they would have started out with a new stout recipe and had the chai stand out more. The majority of the black tea and honey flavors were lost in the bitterness of the Black Seal recipe. Had they started from scratch, I think they could have come up with something better and more original.
I am sad to say that this is the first time I was not impressed with Master Brewer Haley’s efforts. I know she is capable of much better and creative beers.

I give it a 4 out of 10 for lack of creativity.